Dilemma

CHAPTER 10

Dilemma

     " Do you want me, Agnes? Even if I will have nothing, would you still want me?"

     She stared at his eyes. If only you know Chris Duvier, that my heart already belongs to you. Long before you set eyes on my sister. Much longer before that. The first day when I saw you standing in front of the horse while you talked to them. My heart was also communicating with you. Long before you glance at me dismissively you already took my heart away. I love you. Even now, my heart is aching, I will still love you because part of me is already yours a long time ago. 

     Suddenly unbearable pain twisted her heart. She said, "What change you, Chris Duvier? I remember, a boy who was good and kind. What happen to you?" She asked him sadly. Her hand unconsciously touched his beautiful face.    

     He laughed sarcastically, "Life happens Agnes. Unfortunately, you Walden's - your family made me this way. " 

     "I'm sorry." She said simply. Her heart aching for him. The pain of losing the love of his life on your wedding day was something, she cannot comprehend how painful and embarrassing it was for him. The scandal that comes after that nearly destroyed her too. Until now, she can still hear the bad rumors about her. People pitied him. Chris hates pity. This must have driven him away from the town.

     " Sorry isn't enough Agnes."

     " What must I do to right the wrong my family did to you."

      Chris's eyes glittered, " You could start with a kiss..." Her hand stilled just beneath his jaw. She looked at him with those blue-green eyes, her expression gentle. She is bewitching and despite himself, he felt drawn to her. His lips gently lowered on her luscious lips. She did not move. She waited for him. 

     “Would it lessen the pain, if I let you kiss me?” Chris stared for a long time at the beguiling woman lying on the sofa.

     “I’m afraid not. You have to pay more than what you’re offering me.” He matches her tone. Playing her music. His blood pounded so hard. Feeling her body beneath him. Gently, he touches her lips.

     She felt the heat of his touch. Knowing that she was losing a battle that never even started. She wondered, how he can deny him. “I might be willing to offer more---” the words just come out from her unchecked. Chris slowly lowered his lips to hers.

     "Ehem... " Both of them start guiltily. He moved away from her and looked at the wedding planner who was standing at the archway as if nothing happens. "I'm sorry to bother---", he said innocently.

     " A bother? That's an understatement of the year. You’re a pest." Chris sharply said to the woman, who flushed. "Next time when I'm about to kiss my fiancée make sure you disappear."

     Agnes smiled at the wedding planner. She thanks heaven that the kiss did not happen. "Don't mind my future husband."

      Chris felt he was cheated. He wanted that kiss so much that the thought made him madder by the minute, " I still want that kiss, Agnes." She blushed. " I will get it with interest next time."

    There will be no next time. She bowed. She turned her back at him and focus on the poor woman, who looked terrified at Chris Duvier, "What is it, Ms. Jones?"

     "The actress, your sister Lea is here." She stared at the woman for a long time. Lea is here?

    Lea appeared beside the wedding planner, beautiful and radiant wearing a simple white designer dress. Her presence seems to brighten the room but cast ominous darkness to her heart. She struggled to stand up from the sofa and unconsciously pushed Chris away from her. 

     " Did I come at the wrong time?" Lea sweetly asked, fixing her very blue eyes to Chris.

      He smiled charmingly at her and slowly took a step towards her sister. His eyes glowing with admiration, never leaving Lea’s face. "Did I ever tell you that you’re never late? You can always come to me anytime you want." 

     He gently took both her hands and kissed them. Lea's eyes misted. Her face glowed with joy as she gazed at Chris. "No, never. I'm always your priority." She said huskily.

     Agnes swallowed hard. Her breathing was shallower and more painful than the last inhale. Watching them together felt like she was the outsider and villain in the movie. The venom of jealousy surfaced without regard to propriety. She spoke before she can stop herself, " Priority. My ass---"

     The wedding planner who has been watching the whole scenario gasped upon hearing her swear word. But Agnes is beyond that now, she smiled sweetly at both of them and sauntered towards Chris. Her eyes fixed at him and slowly raised her arms around his neck while her lips reached for his mouth. 

     The kiss took him by surprise as Agnes branded his lips with surprising heat. "This my love was just the installment." She whispered at him. Whatever possess her was beyond she could understand. Just the sudden heat of jealousy, let her forget that Chris was Lea’s property.

    Chris stared at her blankly then she winked at him slyly. “Darling, I know I’m now your new priority, right?" Then she turns to her sister who was watching the whole scenario coolly. However, Agnes can see that her sister's eyes brimming with anger. She knows that look too well.    

     "Glad to see you again Lea." She smiled at her sister, forcing her voice to sound calm.

     " Same her older sister." The jibe hit home. She perfunctorily kisses both her cheeks. "Your invitation just came on time when I have a break from work."

     "Invitation?”, she looked at Lea confused.

     "So, it's not you who invited me? Maybe it's auntie." Lea said. She cannot imagine her aunt inviting her sister.

     "No, it's not me either." Lady Elizabeth walked in and took a step closer at Lea. She gives her a warm embrace and said happily, " Nevertheless I’m glad your here."

      Agnes had a sinking feeling that she knows who invited her sister. Her fears confirmed when Chris Duvier spoke, "I took the liberty of inviting her." He looked at Agnes directly, "I know her presence will make you happy darling."

      "How thoughtful Darling," she said too sweetly." But next time, though holler me if you need to give me another surprise."

     Chris Duvier smiled back and said meaningfully, "I like surprises---" His eyes lingered on her lips. "--very much."

      Agnes blushed. He watched her intently, enjoying her face turning red. Oh, Agnes what a delight you are. Unbidden thoughts came to his mind. He frowned, not liking the feeling that she can provoke. He doesn’t want to think of the kiss. But even now, it's still burning on his skin. The girl can kiss. He wondered where she practices or how many men she already tempted. Chris angrily glanced at Agnes. Men will desire her. She might have Leas’ stunning beauty but she can also command the attention of men who like women with curves. He has a different taste of women. They must be the epitome of elegance and grace. He knows he will not fall for Agnes. That is so true especially now that he saw Lea. Still, she can make his heartbeat race. The attraction between them was still strong. So why bother analyzing his feelings towards Agnes. 

     "Why you’re so quiet Duvier?" Lady Elizabeth intently watched him.

     He snapped out of his thoughts and focus on the Baroness’s observant stare, "I'm just glad that you will have your reunion, my dear Lady. Glad to contribute to your happiness." He said sarcastically.

      "When a man stared at a woman like that, it means only one thing-- "

     "Please spare me the details, my lady. " His pulse quickened. He needs to get out of this place before Lady Elizabeth can decipher his feelings. " I have to go now. Enjoy spending my money. I already instructed my people to take care of the bills. "

     “How generous of you, Duvier.” She said mocking his panic look. The old hag knows there was something amiss with Duvier’s reaction. Men had looked at Agnes, the same way as he looks at her now. She realized, even if Lea was in the same room, Agnes could still affect the man.  

      He left them without saying goodbye. Agnes, confused with his reaction watched his retreating back silently. She felt that he abandoned her again. She felt that their secret contract did not change how he treated her. He seems worst than the last time.

     "What's with him?" Lea asked confused at the sudden departure of Chris Duvier.

      Agnes irritated by his sudden departure flopped at the sofa like a petulant child, “Well, it's not the first time he left me hanging. He must have thought this whole wedding doesn't need him."

     Lady Elizabeth grinned." Don’t be too hard on yourself Agnes, he was just salvaging his pride. It's what you call, to retreat or in layman terms running away."